Vauxhall Corsa VXR Leaks Ahead of Geneva Debut

Vauxhall Corsa VXR has just been revealed in pictures. The ultra-powerful small hot-hatch will be premiered officially at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March. Vauxhall says that the car benefits from significant revisions in technology, new interior and exterior design improvements as well as new Corsa's chassis. In addition, the vehicle shows literally breath-taking performance: it covers the 0-60mph sprint in only 6.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 143mph.

This result is due to the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 205 hp (150 kW) and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque from lower revs between 1,900rpm and 5,800rpm. An overboost facility provides an additional 35Nm of torque, ideal for swift and safe overtaking.

Despite these numbers, Corsa VXR is still capable of achieving 37.7mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 174g/km. The engine drives the front wheels via a second-generation six-speed transmission with a short, fluid gearchange.

The company has worked closely with Koni, a damper-supplier, in order to create the Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology.

FSD allows damping forces to adapt to the car's movements, thus maintaining the body control when the car is driven fast.

Further improvements include a lowering in car's height by 10 mm. In addition, Vauxhall is offering a two-stage switchable electronic stability programme (ESP) and traction control (TC) with the Corsa VXR. In Competition Mode the traction control is inactive, while the ESP is relaxed to allow less intervention. For track use, the ESP can be fully disabled.

Steering was made more direct and precise, while Michelin 215/45 R17 tyres and 308mm front brake discs take care for better stopping power. For Corsa VXR "die-hard-fans" keen to enhance their car's dynamics still further, there is the optional Performance Package. It comprises of Drexler limited-slip differential, larger 330mm-diameter Brembo front brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels and more focused FSD damper.

The standard model will come with bi-xenon lighting and a choice of six exterior colours. The new exterior design features more aggressive front-end design, large air intakes and an aluminium-framed opening below the headlights.

There is also a small scoop which finds itself below the bonnet. In addition, the side-sill extensions improve the performance of the car, while a rear spoiler provides downforce over the back axle. The twin Remus exhaust pipes distinguish the model from the regular Corsa.

Inside, the car features standard Recaro seats, leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports pedals, as well as a VXR gear-lever and instruments. The front windscreen is heated and Intellilink connectivity for Apple iOS and Android smartphones also come at no cost.